A Resilient Future: Science and Technology for Disaster Risk Reduction

Technology as a Resilience Tool Against Disasters

Floods, earthquakes, and landslides kill thousands yearly and disrupt millions more. Technology—sensors, early-warning systems, satellite monitoring—can reduce that toll. But there's a catch: what works in Switzerland doesn't automatically work in Nepal or the Philippines. This course examines both the promise and the limits of science and technology in disaster risk reduction, with real examples from Global North and South contexts.

You'll learn about emerging technologies for detecting and responding to natural hazards, and crucially, how to adapt them to different economic and political realities. Disaster resilience isn't just technology—it's technology plus governance, community preparation, and realistic assessment of what's actually deployable.

Best for: Disaster risk managers, climate adaptation professionals, development workers, engineers, and policymakers in vulnerable regions.